Conference Cambridge
Be inspired- book a Conference Cambridge venue for a training session
If you’re planning training sessions, workshops or team building events, the Conference Cambridge portfolio may have just what you’re looking for. Renowned the world over for their excellent conference facilities, the Colleges can also offer training rooms, areas for team building events, IT suites and even dance studios.
Gonville & Caius recently opened the doors of their new facility on West Road, which is built on the location of Stephen Hawking’s former home. The striking architecture of the building, a flowing curve, is expertly designed to fit around the mature Copper Beech, Wellingtonia and Scots Pine trees, which adorned the original site. Named in memory of Professor Dick Cavonius, the Cavonius Centre is a contemporary meeting space specifically designed to be flexible, offering delegates a range of room layouts. With breakout areas for refreshments, a conference office available for organisers, WiFi and the latest in audio-visual technology the Cavonius Centre is the hub of this new facility and perfectly suited to training events.
Or what about a training day in the recently refurbished Regency style meeting rooms at Emmanuel College? Camden House, a stylish period dwelling overlooks Parker’s Piece in the centre of Cambridge and though historic, a meeting here doesn’t mean a compromise on technology, as the rooms, which can each accommodate 15 to 20 delegates all year round, are now fully equipped with a range of audio-visual equipment.
The heritage of the Colleges is often the draw for many delegates and with the added kudos of being the highest meeting room in all of the Cambridge Colleges, the Okinaga Room at St Edmund’s College certainly has that added something. Perched atop an octagonal entrance tower, this room offers spectacular vistas across the entire city; it’s suitable for small workshop style meetings of up to 25 guests or for board meetings of up to 15.
Larger facilities are on offer at The Pitt Building, an imposing venue, commissioned in honour of William Pitt the Younger was completed in 1833. For over a hundred years it housed the printing and publishing offices of Cambridge University Press and the Oriel Room is still used today by the Syndicate; it is in this very room decisions will be taken about which texts the Press will publish. Since 2004, following an elegant renovation, the venue has been offering its facilities for conferences and meetings.
If you need inspiration for a group activity, team building session or cultural experience, The Møller Centre, another of our modern venues, has recently launched Magic Moments, a new range of products designed to enhance and add value to events. In conjunction with Corporate Kinetics, the centre is offering a range of sporting and enriching cultural activity programmes.
This is merely a snapshot of what we can offer and if you’ve been inspired to choose a College for your training event, talk to us, whatever your preference, modern or traditional, Conference Cambridge can source a meeting space that fits your budget and ticks all the boxes; it’s sure to be one event that your delegates won’t forget.
More information can be found at www.conferencecambridge.com.
New to Conference Cambridge - Conference Organisation Partners
Suzy Howes and Associates Ltd. is now an official member of the team here at Conference Cambridge and its bespoke event management service is now enabling us to offer our clients an enhanced level of customer care. This new, flexible facility is designed to meet the needs of individual clients who may require assistance with their event.
The company, established since 2000, consists of a team led by Suzy Howes and several Associates, all with a wealth of experience in their own field. They have an enviable client list, which includes: The Royal Society, the East of England Development Agency and the London Development Agency. Suzy herself has worked in both public and private sector organisations: in IT and communications, education, high technology, investor relations and for charitable groups. For six years she was responsible for events at leading technology company, Cambridge Consultants Ltd. (CCL).
The experts at Suzy Howes and Associates can offer support right from the initial contact by the client, they can then tailor the service to include anything from supplier sourcing and liaison, to providing information about Cambridge, organising social activities, accommodation booking and transport arrangements. From event administration, such as, pre-registering or collecting fees, post-event evaluation questionnaires and marketing communication activities to front of house management at the event; the skills of the Associates can facilitate the smooth running of any event.
‘The support will be invaluable for many clients; not least those interested in multi-site conferencing. We hope the offer of a professional conference management service will make Cambridge more attractive as a destination to those planning larger events,’ said Kelly Walsh, Manager, Conference Cambridge.
If you would like more information about the work of the Associates, please contact Suzy directly by email to info@suzyhowes.co.uk, or alternatively through the Conference Cambridge office.
College Chefs’ Competition – The Steward’s Cup
In October this year, 47 chefs from 15 of the Cambridge Colleges went head to head in the Steward’s Cup contest, ‘an inter-collegiate cook-off’ competition resurrected after a period of 20 years by Bill Brogan, catering and conference manager at St John’s College. The final took place at Pembroke College, where the chefs presented their dishes in an event open to the public and the Cup was won by a team headed by Matthew Carter, from Emmanuel, which also took away ‘best in class’, two gold, two silver and three bronze awards.
Menus had to meet a tight budget and the chefs were faced with various challenges. Categories included, producing a starter and a main course for a Fellows’ event, a main course for a Formal Hall and a perfect pudding. The winning recipes were pressed pork knuckle and foie gras terrine, ballantine of chicken with a butter bean and tomato cassoulet, and a trio of autumn rabbit. The winner of the pudding category was a trio of Denham apples, expertly crafted by Sidney Sussex chef, Nigel Tumber, who won his first ever gold medal. Chefs from Sidney Sussex also left with a silver and bronze award and Christ’s Sous Chef, Mark Patterson gained one gold and two silver awards.
The event was overseen by a team of judges which included Moira Gardiner, Bursar at St Edmund’s College, Stephen Mather, Head Chef at Sidney Sussex, Stephen Stackhouse from Cambridge Regional College, and Ian Morgan, Head Chef at Hotel Felix.
Bill Brogan deemed the competition ‘a great success’ and announced that a team from the Colleges will be taking part in a nationwide competition to be hosted by The University Caterers’ Organisation (TUCO) in March next year; following its success The Steward’s Cup may well become an annual event and planning is already under way for another event next autumn.
Venues
Gonville & Caius
Gonville & Caius College opened the doors of their new facility, 5 West Road, in September 2006. Visitors to the facility, which houses 74 superior en suite bedrooms and the Cavonius Centre, cannot fail to notice the striking architecture of the building: a flowing curve expertly designed to fit around the mature Copper Beech, Wellingtonia and Scots Pine trees, which adorned the original site. Delegates enter the building through the extensive foyer, a sizeable open space decorated with limestone and enhanced with a neutral colour palette where a large plasma screen television displays up-to-the-minute news and information. The hallways, which follow the gentle curve of the building, lead off to the bedrooms; each with its own en suite shower room, flat screen digital television, hospitality tray and complimentary toiletries. In addition to the single bedrooms, there are also 10 double rooms and 10 twin rooms available. The building is fully DDA compliant and offers 5 bedrooms, each with private kitchenette, which have been purposely designed to meet the needs of disabled guests.
The Cavonius Centre, named in memory of Professor Dick Cavonius, is a contemporary meeting space specifically designed to be flexible offering delegates a range of room layouts. Decorated in natural hues, and overlooking landscaped gardens, this maple-floored room can accommodate 130 in a theatre style, or it can be subdivided into 4 smaller rooms accommodating between 5 and 70 delegates, depending on the configuration. A further three syndicate rooms, each seating up to 10 guests, are also available on the upper floor; accessible via a lift. With breakout areas for refreshments, a conference office available for organisers, WiFi and the latest in audio-visual technology the Cavonius Centre is the hub of this new facility.
5 West Road, with its limestone façade, complements the adjacent Harvey Court Dining Hall, where delegates can take breakfast and lunch. Dinners are served in the traditional rooms of the Old Courts, situated a pleasant stroll away across the historic Backs. The facilities at 5 West Road are available during the vacation periods and are already attracting interest from local, national and international organisations who are keen to sample this modern, up-market venue.
To book an event at a Cambridge College call Conference Cambridge on 01223 740578, fax 01223 740580 or email enquiries@conferencecambridge.com.
Magic Moments at The Møller Centre
The Møller Centre is proud to announce a new range of products designed to enhance and add value to any conference, meeting or event held at the Centre. Møller Magic Moments offers a variety of activities and experiences based around four central themes:
- Team Building/Management development
- A Taste of Britain
- Go Sport
- Personal development
The inclusive package prices of each activity make booking as simple and straight forward as possible.
The diverse activities on offer range from a historic walking tour of Cambridge, a business simulation teambuilding challenge or a competitive round of golf. Whatever your requirement, Møller Magic Moments can offer options to suit every event and price range.
For further information please click here
What’s your Møller Magic Moment?
Since Wednesday 4 October, The Møller Centre has been offering complimentary WiFi internet access to all delegates visiting the Centre.
The comprehensive high speed access not only covers the public areas and meeting rooms, but also the Tower Lounge Bar, bedrooms and even extends outside into the grounds.
The decision to provide this service is a direct response to customer feedback and is part of The Møller Centre's commitment to provide the highest level of customer service and exceptional value.
To book an event at a Cambridge College, please use our online form, or call Conference Cambridge on 01223 740578, fax 01223 740580 or email enquiries@conferencecambridge.com.
Special Offers
Merry Christmas Møller Style
Enjoy an evening of festivity at The Møller Centre this year, mingle in our stunning Tower Lounge Bar whilst your other guests arrive and then move to our octagonal restaurant, where you’ll be served a sumptuous three course dinner accompanied by fine wine by our knowledgeable, skilled staff.
The nature of our menu, designed by our French executive chef, allows you and your party to order on the evening. This eliminates the need to pre-order in advance saving both valuable time and confusion.
If you have a smaller party, or wish to have a more exclusive environment, you can book one of our private rooms and have a dining experience created exclusively for you by our renowned team of chefs.
After the festive dinner, it’s time to move up to the Tower Lounge Bar for coffee, and your choice of either a disco or jazz band (supplementary cost) to set the mood for the rest of your evening.
Overnight accommodation is available for all guests with significantly reduced Christmas pricing; all bedrooms in The Møller Centre are en suite, with facilities including digital television, wireless broadband and a mini bar, they provide the perfect space to rest and recharge your batteries after your exhilarating Christmas party.
To find out more contact The Møller Centre on 01223 465555. To book an event in a Cambridge College, please use our online form, or contact us via email enquiries@conferencecambridge.com.
An Easter Treat from Gonville & Caius – 2 free delegate spaces for Easter 2007
If you’re organising an Easter conference for 2007, this special offer from Gonville & Caius may be just what you’re looking for. Caius are offering two free delegate spaces for minimum bookings of 50 people (day delegate rate or 24 hour rate), based on meetings booked at 5 West Road and the Old Courts on Trinity Street for Easter 2007 - between Monday 19 March and Friday 13 April 2007 excluding Easter bank holiday weekend.
To book an event in a Cambridge College, please use our online form, or contact us via email enquiries@conferencecambridge.com.
To contact Gonville & Caius directly, please call 01223 332418 or email info@caiusconference.com.
All rates are exclusive of VAT and subject to availability.
The above offer can not be used in conjunction with any other offer, Please quote ref: CC1806.
Winter Rate Reduction at Robinson College
Looking for a venue for a winter conference? Robinson College are offering discounted 24 hour delegate rates starting from £99 + VAT (usually £123 + VAT) and day delegate rates starting from £32 + VAT (usually £40 + VAT) for conferences and events held before 12 January 2007.
The residential delegate rate includes a plenary conference room and breakout rooms; all complete with AV equipment, the services of a technician and a dedicated Event Manager. Delegates can savour some of the outstanding cuisine at Robinson, with a cooked breakfast, buffet lunch and three course evening meal, as well as all refreshments, included in the tariff. Accommodation is in single rooms, which all offer internet access.
The College is situated within a short walk of the city centre and is easily accessible from both the M11 and A14. Car parking can be arranged close by.
To book an event in a Cambridge College, please use our online form or contact us via email at enquiries@conferencecambridge.com. Alternatively, for this offer, you can contact Robinson College on 01223 332859 or email conference@robinson.cam.ac.uk quoting offer ref: CC1206.
Happy New Year from Homerton College – 1 in 10 delegates go free & 12% commission
Homerton College is offering a free delegate place (24 hour delegate rate) for every 10 delegates booked during the period 3-10 January 2007. This offer is available for new residential bookings when booking directly with the College or through Conference Cambridge; it cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Please quote ref: CC1806 to benefit from this discount.
Homerton College are also offering 12% commission to agents who book residential meetings in the period 3-10 January 2007. Quote ref: CC1706 to benefit from this offer.
For further details, please contact Conference Cambridge, tel. 01223 740578, email enquiries@conferencecambridge.com, or contact Homerton College directly, tel. 01223 507218 or email conferences@homerton.cam.ac.uk.
Events
Wedding Belles at Homerton College – The Cambridge Wedding Show
The magnificent surroundings of Homerton College will play host to The Cambridge Wedding Show on Sunday 2 September 2007 from 11am-4pm. Organised by Orangery Flowers in association with Star FM, the event, the first of its kind in a Cambridge College, will showcase the best suppliers from Cambridgeshire and the surrounding counties. There’ll be everything you could need, from dress designers to cake makers, florists to photographers and much, much more. With fashion shows and demonstrations throughout the day, for both Brides and Grooms to be, the event will offer something for everyone. There’s free parking on site and Homerton is within easy reach of the city centre, the M11 and the A14. More information about The Cambridge Wedding Show, including details of how to exhibit can be found on the website www.thecambridgeweddingshow.co.uk.
Historic Venue leaves a lasting impression
Progressive Training, a Hertfordshire based training provider, who specialise in Hospitality Management and Customer Service Training, recently held a very successful two day training event at The Pitt Building on Trumpington Street, Cambridge in October this year. The venue accommodated the group of nine delegates in the Newton Room, a light a spacious room on the ground floor of the building. The room was set up in a u-shape with remarkably comfortable chairs and a section was divided off as a dining area, where delegates were able to meet and mingle over a buffet lunch. Part of the course involved an element of role-play and the venue kindly made available several of their other rooms as breakouts. Refreshment breaks were taken in an adjoining hallway, which was visible from the main meeting room enabling the trainer to see exactly when they were ready. The conference team were on hand set up the AV and to discuss issues throughout the day and the group enjoyed great exclusivity, even though there were other groups using the building too; breaks were expertly timed to avoid overcrowding in the refreshment area. The Pitt Building is east to find, right in the middle of the historic centre and is convenient whether you’re arriving by foot, car or public transport.
| Event Type |
Training Workshop |
| Client |
Progressive Training |
| Venue |
The Pitt Building |
| Date |
12 & 13 October 2006 |
| Number of Delegates |
9 |
Tell us about your event and be entered into our quarterly prize draw!
We’re developing our event portfolio, so that new clients can see the full variety of events that our venues can host – and we need your help!
If you could spare a few minutes, once your event is over, to pen a few words about your experience – whether it be about the booking procedure; brochures, menus or written correspondence you received from the venue or the meeting rooms, accommodation, catering or service. Feel free to mention any particular highlights or people you’ve come into contact with, in fact we’d like to read any comments you would like to make. Pictures would be good too – if you have any photos of your event that we could publish we’d love to receive them.
We’ll obtain your approval of the entry before it is published and you will be welcome to chose not to have it published or make any necessary amendments at that time.
A little bit of Scotland in Cambridge - Cambridge Bagpiper
You either love them or hate them, but it goes without saying that the Scottish bagpipes leaving lasting impressions whenever they are played. Roy Sloane, a Cambridge-based ex-Black Watch piper is offering his services for weddings, funerals, gala dinners, Burns Night and other special occasions. Roy has piped for many members of the Royal Family and several VIPs at prestigious events all over the world and he has a wealth of experience. Every detail of his service can be tailored to suit your clients’ exact requirements, so you can be assured of both a professional and personal service. He can play traditional Scots and Irish music, favourite melodies and even requests. His rates are competitive and although he is based in Cambridge, he is willing to travel to your event, wherever it may be. Whatever the occasion, the skirl of the bagpipes will add enviable style to your event leaving your guests with lasting memories.
If you would like to know more about the services Roy can offer, take a look at his website: www.cambridge-bagpiper.co.uk or email: roy@cambridge-bagpiper.co.uk.
Big Beat’s Unusual Conference Refresher / Icebreaker
If your clients are looking for something to make their conference a little bit different, then big beat may have the answer. Their Conference Refresher/ Icebreaker package offers a simple, practical solution in the form of instant, on-the-spot, dynamic rhythm sessions, designed specifically for conferences. Icebreaker sessions are a unique concept for the conference market; they can be set up and down in a matter of minutes, but they will take a lifetime to forget!
Big Beat can offer three different sessions:
The Bag Lady Workout –a simple bass pulse is created by black bin liners! Whilst in front, a ‘reggae line’ of carrier bags, creates rhythm with a flick of the wrist. Once all the rhythms are cooking each section stands in turn to create a spellbinding sound and an amazing visual effect.
Toy Orchestra – delegates are encouraged to return to their childhood when they would have discovered sounds and music for the first time. With squeaky toys, whistles, animal boxes, whirly tubes… this time no-one is going to tell you to be quiet!
Tube Way Army – an attention grabbing session where guests use Boomwackers, individual coloured tubes with their own pitched sound, to make music by banging them together or on the floor. It’s indestructible music making at its best!
For more information about Big Beat take a look at their website www.bigbeat.biz or call 029 2025 8257.
Heffers Bookshop Conference Service
Heffers, the Cambridge book store are offering their services for conference and training events. With extensive knowledge and expertise, their booksellers can provide book stalls at your event, whatever the subject. The staff are happy to work closely with conference organisers to tailor stock; matching stalls to the theme of the meeting. For larger conferences, Heffers can offer the use of their shop for evening receptions and out of hours shopping.
Contact David Robinson at Heffers Bookshop on Trinity Street, Cambridge for more information. His number is 01223 568568 or email, heffers@heffers.co.uk.
Treasure Hunt with Game Show Finale from Live the City
Live the City Cambridge is offering walking tours with a difference. The Live the City team, based in the Old Crown Court, give visitors a chance to learn more about Cambridge and test their new-found knowledge in a game show style format. Live the City can arrange a number of different events: Cambridge Uncovered combines a self-led traditional walking tour with a treasure hunt and a big screen quiz; Competitive Sightseeing, a tailored package suitable for corporate groups, is based around a treasure hunt format with a game show finale and The Cambridge Ghosthunter Experience, an after dark event that leads teams on a creepy trail around the haunted lanes of Cambridge.
All of the events are a fantastic way to encourage team bonding and see the sights of Cambridge like never before, play in teams, against friends and colleagues and battle it out to become Live the City Champions! If you would like more information about any of these experiences contact Melody at Live the City on 01223 363360 or take a look at their website www.livethecity.com.
Happy Clients
Helen Statham, CU Centre for Family Research
‘The system of you circulating everyone is wonderful – I’ve told people about it who didn’t know, thanks for all your help.’
Jan Date
‘I wanted to let you know that I had my 60th birthday party at Lucy Cavendish on Friday night and it was fabulous. Nothing could have been done better - superb venue, food, wine and wonderful staff. I cannot praise them enough and thoroughly recommend it to anyone. Thank you for your help in identifying a suitable place.’
Patricia Smith Terell, University of Kentucky
‘Thank you so much. I am so pleased with the level of customer service displayed by all the colleges who responded to me so thoroughly and so quickly. Best wishes.’
Chocolate Draw
Barbara Gamble from Papworth Hospital was the recent winner of our chocolate prize draw; she received a box of chocolates from Hotel Chocolat. Everyone who completes and returns one of our post-event questionnaires is automatically entered into our draw, so if you receive a questionnaire its worth filling it in… you never know!
“I received a box of the most beautiful chocolates. The note that came with them said that I had won a competition - but I do not remember entering a competition! So, it was a lovely surprise, which I will share with my colleagues in the Chief Executive's office, as I am now everyone's best friend as they all look longingly at my chocolates.
Thank you again not only for the chocolates but for all your support. Through Conference Cambridge, I have been able to organise some truly magnificent college dinners, for my colleagues,” Barbara Gamble, PA to Chief Executive, Papworth Hospital.
T: 01223 740578
